Does an '08 deposit actually guarantee me a car???

[Jeannie]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonjonbear @ Sep 12 2007, 10:40 AM) [snapback]511258[/snapback]</div>

One thing I find a bit disturbing is that the Prius doesn't come with road side assistance unless you pay extra for it?
[/b]

It doesn't come with road-side assistance unless you but the Toyota extended warranty (which I got through this site). But I have an option for road-side assistance through my cell phone provider, cheaper than AAA.

[carolbrady]

Another update. I cooled my heels for awhile then went in to the dealership in person, not phone this time to speak w/ my salesperson as well as the manager. They were finally able to verify that my car will be in by the end of the month.

Quick question that I didn't ask the dealer. When your car comes in, does that mean they let people test drive it until you pick it up??? I definately don't want that.

Hopefully I will be able to end this thead by saying, I picked up my car!

[FL_Prius_Driver]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(carolbrady @ Sep 17 2007, 09:28 AM) [snapback]513640[/snapback]</div>

Another update. I cooled my heels for awhile then went in to the dealership in person, not phone this time to speak w/ my salesperson as well as the manager. They were finally able to verify that my car will be in by the end of the month.

Quick question that I didn't ask the dealer. When your car comes in, does that mean they let people test drive it until you pick it up??? I definately don't want that.

Hopefully I will be able to end this thead by saying, I picked up my car!
[/b]

No, The only driving will be that necessary to get your car off the transport and into final finishing. They lose money by not getting your payment as fast as possible....which requires getting the car to you as fast as possible. Report the odometer value when you pick it up.

[jonfeldman]

So a couple of pieces of advice:

1. To echo what other people have said - get a VIN and a dealership stock number.

2. If you can afford it, buy the car now. The bottom line is a deposit doesn't lock you into the car - they'll sell it out from under you.

That said, remember that 1 in 100 cars sold today is a Prius (wsj - in today's edition in the "detroit in numbers feature" - Prius is 1.1% of the US marketshare) - if it isn't *that* car, it'll be another '08. Don't let the dealer jerk you around.

[msirach]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(carolbrady @ Sep 17 2007, 08:28 AM) [snapback]513640[/snapback]</div>

Another update. I cooled my heels for awhile then went in to the dealership in person, not phone this time to speak w/ my salesperson as well as the manager. They were finally able to verify that my car will be in by the end of the month.

Quick question that I didn't ask the dealer. When your car comes in, does that mean they let people test drive it until you pick it up??? I definately don't want that.

Hopefully I will be able to end this thead by saying, I picked up my car!
[/b]

I don't know if I would trust that dealer. I confirmed my deal Saturday by phone with the dealer in Effingham. I offered to make a deposit by phone or mail a check and he said it wasn't necessary. I have not even been there since it's 100 miles away. He made me a $2000 cheaper deal on a $2000 more expensive car than I could get from the dealer in Marion, IL. (20 miles) I called the Mt Vernon Dealer 3 times and they NEVER called me back. My mother-in-law is wanting a new Camry and it will come from Effingham too when she is ready


I was concerned because the the delivery date was the 22nd through the 1st. The meager fed credit expires the 30th. He said, "No problem". He said he had the vin and we could do the paperwork in plenty of time.

I called around the state Friday for the best deal on the Illinois "Green Rewards" loans. 7.1 to 7.5% on 36 to 60 months. Ask pay off times. A few wanted you to carry the loan full term, some for a year or two and some didn't care.

[LochNess]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Sep 12 2007, 05:35 PM) [snapback]511654[/snapback]</div>

If Ralphs or Vons wants it? Tough. I'll shop elsewhere. They have no right to swipe the magnetic strip on my licene. I have no idea what information is on there but they are NOT entitled to it.
[/b]

In California, there is nothing on the magnetic stripe that is not printed on the front of the license.

[twilsonchicago]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(carolbrady @ Sep 17 2007, 08:28 AM) [snapback]513640[/snapback]</div>

Another update. I cooled my heels for awhile then went in to the dealership in person, not phone this time to speak w/ my salesperson as well as the manager. They were finally able to verify that my car will be in by the end of the month.

Quick question that I didn't ask the dealer. When your car comes in, does that mean they let people test drive it until you pick it up??? I definately don't want that.

Hopefully I will be able to end this thead by saying, I picked up my car!
[/b]

When mine came in week before last, they called me immediately to schedule a time to take delivery. I was able to have them do a wheel alignment and still have it ready for me after work. Odometer read "1" when I got in it for a quick spin before doing the paperwork.

Tim
Chicago